Office of the Historian

501.BC Indonesia/3–749: Telegram

The Secretary of State to the United States Representative at the United Nations (Austin)1

confidential   us urgent
niact
Washington, March 7, 1949—6 p. m.

140. Dept suggests in your conversations other Dels and in statement before SC, USDel take fol position Indonesian case in accordance Cochran’s recommendations contained Gocus 620.2 [Page 306]

1.
US continues to support SC resolution of Jan 28 which contains basic objectives for peaceful settlement of Indonesian dispute and early transfer of sovereignty from Neth to USI.
2.
US perceives no reason why the objectives of the Security Council’s resolution cannot be achieved through negots at The Hague as proposed by the Netherlands.
3.
It is our understanding based on reports from our rep to UNCFI (and on the letter from Sukarno to Beel3 which has been distributed to Council) that Republic has accepted invitation to Hague conference subject only to conditions (a) that Govt of Repub be restored to Jogjakarta in accordance with SC resolution and (b) that UNCFI participate at conference.
4.
As to second of these conditions Dutch have invited participation of UNCFI at Hague conference and accordingly there would appear to be no difficulty on this point. Problem arises in respect of restoration of Govt of Repub to authority in Jogjakarta. Purpose of that clause in res of Jan 28 was to enable Republican Govt to assemble at seat of authority.
5.
It would be unfortunate if agreement could not be reached by the parties on this preliminary step-in order that substantive negotiations at Hague conference can go forward with all speed. We see no obstacle to agreement on this point and believe UNCFI can make substantial contribution in bringing parties together in agreement both as to restoration of a seat of authority for Repub and the date to be fixed for Hague conference.
6.
In seeking to find common ground of agreement it would be appropriate for UNCFI to arrange immediate negotiations between reps of Neth on one hand, and of the Republic and of the leaders of the Federal Conference on the other.
7.
In as much as program here outlined will, if agreement can be reached on prerequisites for conference at Hague, be consistent with res of Jan 28, we would suggest that if this program represents consensus of Council, President transmit a telegram in this sense to UNCFI pointing out that UNCFI should make every effort to bring parties in agreement on conditions for holding of conference at Hague and that it should participate in that conference when and if it is held.

Note: Portion para 3 above in parens to be used when and if letter, which Cochran has requested Repubs submit UNCFI, recd by SC.

Acheson
  1. Repeated as 193 to The Hague, 259 to Brussels, 750 to London, with instruction for immediate delivery to the three Foreign Offices as the position to be taken by the United States at the Security Council; as 190 to New Delhi, and 139, Usgoc 322, to Batavia for Cochran.↩
  2. Telegram 233, March 5, 9 p. m., not printed.↩
  3. March 4, SC, 4th yr., Suppl. (Mar.), p. 30.↩